Transportation System Needs $313 Billion Through Year 2030
12/17/2008
Committee confirms what gridlocked Texans already know: transportation system needs help Austin, Texas – Today the Texas 2030 Committee, established to identify the state’s transportation needs over the next 20 years, reported Texas’ transportation system is facing a severe crisis, requiring an estimated $313 billion in funding to combat congestion, make roads safer and remain economically competitive through the year 2030. “All of our state leaders must work together to find solutions to this enormous transportation funding need,” said Bill Noble, executive director of Texans for Safe Reliable Transportation. “The enormity of this shortfall makes clear that decision makers must be open to all funding sources for road-building including traditional fuel taxes, bonding, tolls, public-private partnerships and federal economic-stimulus dollars. The 2030 Committee’s report makes it difficult for some legislators to argue against the need to keep all funding options on the table – especially funds made available through publicly owned, privately financed toll roads where appropriate.” The report’s $313 billion accounts for road and bridge maintenance, additional infrastructure to prevent worsening traffic congestion in urban areas and improvements to rural areas to increase mobility and safety. The findings also took into account projected increases in freight traffic and population growth - an estimated increase of ten million people, from about 23 million in 2005 to 33 million, by 2030 - but did not address funding solutions or specific transportation projects. “The 2030 Committee reported what gridlocked Texans already know – our transportation system has not kept up with Texas’ growing population and economy,” added Noble. “The state has not had the funds available to invest in roads and infrastructure as aggressively as it should have and no single funding option will generate enough money to significantly fight congestion, sustain the state’s economy, or maintain good quality of life. The 2030 Committee consists of 12 members from Texas’ business and transportation industries who worked closely with the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, the Center for Transportation Research at the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The Committee collected public testimony from 172 individuals during six town hall meetings and assembled the report presented today. The Committee will continue to work on recommendations for their final report, which the Committee will post for public comment in January 2009.
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